Anorexia Nervosa Signs and Symptoms

There are many signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa, which can be classified as physical or emotional and behavioral.

The characteristic physical sign of the condition is significant weight loss that leads to the individual being underweight. The physical symptoms are closely linked to those observed in starvation when the body is unable to acquire the nutrients it needs to survive.

The emotional and behavioral effects and the perception of body image can be just as debilitating as the physical symptoms. Many patients report feeling flat, have a reduced desire to participate in social activities, and are more likely to become isolated and suffer from depression.

Physical Changes

The physical appearance of an individual with anorexia nervosa is distinctively thin, due to the extreme weight loss associated with the condition.

As a result of the changes in body composition, patients with anorexia often note significant changes in the way their body feels. They are likely to get tired more easily or have difficulty sleeping at night, and may be prone to dizziness or fainting. They may also suffer from constipation or headaches and have a reduced tolerance to cold temperatures.

Other physical signs include:

Amenorrhea

Abnormal blood test results

Dry or discoloration of the skin (bluish or yellowish)

Thin hair that easily breaks or falls out

Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)

Hypotension

Peripheral edema (swelling of arms or legs)

Reduced bone density

Dehydration

Brittle nails

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

Emotional and behavioral changes related to anorexia nervosa include a preoccupation with food and body weight, leading to extreme weight loss techniques such as:

Restriction of food intake with strict dieting or fasting

Excessive exercise with weight loss goals

Self-induced vomiting or diarrhea to pass food more quickly

It is common for patients to deny hunger and refuse to eat for fear of gaining weight. Some patients may lie about the amount of food they have eaten to avoid suspicion or concern from family or friends.

The changes to and perception of the body can also cause patients to behave differently. They often have a strong preoccupation or obsession with their appearance and believe that weight loss will help them to feel better and happier with their body.

“Body checking” is a behavior commonly observed in people with anorexia and involves repeated activities such as weighing themselves, measuring the size of the waist or checking their appearance in the mirror.

Patients with anorexia are more likely to feel flat and irritable and may withdraw from social activities. They are also prone to depressed feelings and are more likely to have to thoughts of suicide. Additionally, the sexual drive of individuals with anorexia is also commonly affected and many patients are less interested in sexual activities.

Warning Signs

As individuals with anorexia nervosa have an overwhelming desire to remain thin, they often try to disguise the symptoms of the condition and avoid seeking medical help and treatment.

It is helpful for family and friends to be aware of warning signs so that they can recognize potential problems or harmful habits as they arise and encourage the affected individual to get help.

Red flag warning signs of anorexia nervosa may include:

Strict dieting

Skipping meals

Making excuses for not eating

Refusing to eat in public

Obsession with body weight

Repeated checking of appearance to notice flaws

Complaints of being fat

Dressing in layers to cover body appearance

If these signs are recognized in an individual, it is important that they are able to seek help and have access to a strong support network that can help them to manage the condition appropriately.

Further Reading

Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia and has experience working in both Australia and Italy. She is passionate about how medicine, diet and lifestyle affect our health and enjoys helping people understand this. In her spare time she loves to explore the world and learn about new cultures and languages.

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